THE PRESIDENT: I'm going to have an opening statement,
welcoming our friend to the Oval Office. The Prime Minister
is going to say a few remarks. Both of us have agreed to
take some questions. I would like those traveling with the
Turkish press to have a chance to ask some questions today as well.

We'll both take two questions apiece. Thank you for
coming, Mr. Prime Minister. I'm proud to welcome you as a
friend. You have been steadfast in your support in the war
against terror. And for that, my nation is very grateful.

We appreciate your leadership when it comes to foreign policy, and
we appreciate your leadership when it comes to economic
policy. You and your administration have made some very
tough decisions. And the economy is improving as a result of
your leadership. And we look forward to having a good
discussion about how we can increase trade.

And today, I'm informing the Prime Minister that we're lifting the
travel ban on Turkey so that our citizens can feel comfortable going to
that wonderful country to visit, and to enjoy the rich history of one
of our valued allies and friends. So, welcome, Mr. Prime
Minister. It's a delight to welcome you, and thank you for
coming.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: Thank you very much for your kind
invitation, Mr. President. It is a great honor for
us. We deeply appreciate the support that you have extended
since you have taken over, to relations with Turkey. We had
always good relations with the United States in your -- during your
time of office. And you have totally enhanced this
cooperation and friendship.

We have some very good, concrete good news now, as you have
referred to it, Mr. President. The State Department has
today issued a statement expressing the will of the United States that
we will be able to form an economic partnership --

THE PRESIDENT: Right.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: -- in additional to our political
partnership. We attach great importance to that -- our
cooperation with you against terrorism is a great service, not only for
our own people, but for the whole world.

The American determination to get rid of terrorism in the world is
of great importance, of historic importance, and we are glad we are
very happy that we have the chance to cooperate with you to that
effect. And Turkish and American cooperation, partnership
now together with economic partnership will be beneficial for both --
peoples of both our countries.

We had very fruitful discussions during the brief period
here. We still have other items on our agenda, and we shall
go to New York also to visit the place of terrorism. Thank
you very much for sharing this time, for showing this generosity and
friendship to us.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, you're welcome, sir.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Holland, and then Sonia.

Q Sir, what do both of you see as the chances of a negotiated
settlement with Cyprus --

THE PRESIDENT: I'll let the Prime Minister
speak. Of course, we're very encouraged that there is a
dialogue now taking place. And I want to thank the Prime
Minister and the Foreign Minister for encouraging that
dialogue. You can't solve a problem unless the parties are
willing to talk.

And, Mr. Prime Minister, would you like to speak about the Cyprus
situation?

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: Yes. We attach great
importance to our dialogue with you with regard to
Cyprus. It's good news that the leaders of the two
communities are now having face to face dialogue. They may
not attain concrete results immediately, but the very fact, the very
process of dialogue may lead to satisfactory agreements
between the two communities.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I appreciate that very
much. Anybody from the Turkish press?

Q Mr. President, to make your Iraqi policy more efficient, in
your efforts to make the Iraqi policy more efficient --

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I'm going to have a discussion with
the Prime Minister about Iraq. And my expectations, most
importantly, are not from Turkey, are from Iraq. I expect
Saddam Hussein to let inspectors back into the country. We
want to know whether he's developing weapons of mass
destruction. He claims he's not; let the world in to see.

And if he doesn't, we'll have to deal with that at the appropriate
time.

My discussions with the Prime Minister are going to be not only
regional in nature, but global in nature. And I will assure
him that we will consult closely with Turkey on any decisions that I
make. Turkey is an ally and a friend. And no
decisions have been made beyond the first theater. And the
first theater is Afghanistan, and I do appreciate very much the Turkish
support for our efforts in Afghanistan.

Q What if Saddam Hussein doesn't let the -- inspectors?

THE PRESIDENT: If he doesn't let them
in? He'll find out.

Q On the question of Afghanistan, do you support the Turkish
idea of leading the peacekeeping operation there? And if the
United States essentially made the peace there, why not involve U.S.
troops in keeping the peace?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, there's been a lot of
international interest in providing troops to help keep the
peace. And we welcome that support. As you know,
the Brits have now taken the lead in the first round. There
are some discussions as to whether or not Turkey will take the lead in
the second round, and I appreciate their consideration of this very
important matter.

I believe there is plenty of troops from other nations that are
willing to help, and after all, I've made it clear that our troops will
be used to fight and win war. And that's exactly what
they've done. We've sent them over to fight a war, and we're
winning the war.

And on the other hand, we're more than willing to help with the
reconstruction efforts. We're -- make serious contributions
to the interim government of Afghanistan so they can help rebuild
themselves. We look forward to the conference in
Tokyo. We'll have representatives there.

Just today, Richard Armitage, our Deputy Secretary of State, met
with the Finance Minister of the interim government of Afghanistan, and
I've been told they had a very good discussion about how to get cash
starting to move into the coffers.

But I think there is ample support from around the world to provide
troops to help stabilize Afghanistan so the government can eventually
take over its own defense.

Q Yes, but are you going to channel more funds to support
Turkey in its role in Afghanistan?

THE PRESIDENT: Channel more funds to support Turkey in
its role in Afghanistan? You mean, if and when they provide
troops? That's what you're talking about?

Q Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we haven't had that discussion
yet. And one thing for certain is that we're providing a lot
of funds now in the Afghan theater. After all, we're proudly
leading the efforts to destroy the Taliban and rout out the al
Qaeda. As to reimbursements, that's a discussion we'll have
at a later date. Turkey hasn't made up her mind yet as to
whether or not she is going to lead the coalition
forces. We're just in discussion phases. So I
think the budgetary phase -- the budgetary discussions should take
place after a commitment has been made.

Q -- generous -- Senator Kennedy called for --

THE PRESIDENT: Oh, let me comment. I
appreciate that very much.

Q I thought you might want to. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Mr. Prime Minister, we put a
significant tax relief package in place right at the right
time. Our economy was beginning to slow down in March of
2001. Fortunately, I was able to work with both Democrats
and Republicans in our Congress to get a good tax relief package
out. And when the economy slows down, it makes sense to cut
taxes. And that's exactly what's happened. And
those who want to revoke the tax cut, basically raise taxes, are those
who just don't share my view.

I think raising taxes in the midst of a recession is wrong economic
policy. It would be a huge mistake, it's bad for American
workers, it hurt when it comes to creating jobs, and so I strongly
disagree with those who want to raise taxes here in Washington,
D.C. I'm confident that the American people agree with me as
well.

And if members of the House and the Senate listened to their
constituents and listened to those who want to find work, they will
understand the wisdom of our ways.